Right Start Radio With Pastor Jim Custer

You can pay your taxes, you can pay off your mortgage, but there's one debt that can never be settled. Fortunately, the inexhaustible debt to love others is a happy burden. Yes, it's very difficult sometimes, but the end result can be peaceful and pleasant. In the section of Romans 13 that we've been looking at, Paul charges his readers to love "one another," and then again, to love "your neighbor." So the circle widens. Here's Jim to finish a sermon called, Love's Truest Test. Listen to Right Start Radio every Monday through Friday on WCVX 1160AM (Cincinnati, OH) at 9:30am, WHKC 91.5FM (Columbus, OH) at 5:00pm, WRFD 880AM (Columbus, OH) at 9:00am. Right Start can also be heard on One Christian Radio 107.7FM & 87.6FM in New Plymouth, New Zealand. You can purchase a copy of this message, unsegmented for broadcasting and in its entirety, for $7 on a single CD by calling +1 (800) 984-2313, and of course you can always listen online or download the message for free. RS07252025_0.mp3Scripture References:&nb

As Christians we are free! - but we have obligations. At some point in our journey toward adulthood we figure out that grownups have to pay bills. And those who don't pay what they owe will have a difficult time of it. It's the same on our road to Christian maturity. Along the way, we learn that we have debts. Jim will talk about what those are, in the opening segment of his sermon, Love's Truest Test. Listen to Right Start Radio every Monday through Friday on WCVX 1160AM (Cincinnati, OH) at 9:30am, WHKC 91.5FM (Columbus, OH) at 5:00pm, WRFD 880AM (Columbus, OH) at 9:00am. Right Start can also be heard on One Christian Radio 107.7FM & 87.6FM in New Plymouth, New Zealand. You can purchase a copy of this message, unsegmented for broadcasting and in its entirety, for $7 on a single CD by calling +1 (800) 984-2313, and of course you can always listen online or download the message for free. RS07242025_0.mp3Scripture References: Romans 13:6-10

"Do not be overcome by evil, but overcome evil with good." That simple scripture, Romans 12:21, is sparking some thought in us. How do we respond when someone injures our reputation, or our career - or our body? It takes some faith and imagination to believe that my "enemy" might one day be my brother or sister in Christ. Listen to Right Start Radio every Monday through Friday on WCVX 1160AM (Cincinnati, OH) at 9:30am, WHKC 91.5FM (Columbus, OH) at 5:00pm, WRFD 880AM (Columbus, OH) at 9:00am. Right Start can also be heard on One Christian Radio 107.7FM & 87.6FM in New Plymouth, New Zealand. You can purchase a copy of this message, unsegmented for broadcasting and in its entirety, for $7 on a single CD by calling +1 (800) 984-2313, and of course you can always listen online or download the message for free. RS07232025_0.mp3Scripture References: Romans 12:19-21

If we could distill the entire Bible into one verse, which verse would you choose? Most people would say that John 3:16 is the message of God's Word in miniature: "For God so loved the world that He gave His only begotten Son, that whoever believes in Him should not perish, but have eternal life." But Jim has a different choice! Today he'll defend his selection of Romans 12:21 as the unified message of the Bible. It's a verse that divides all of humanity! Listen to Right Start Radio every Monday through Friday on WCVX 1160AM (Cincinnati, OH) at 9:30am, WHKC 91.5FM (Columbus, OH) at 5:00pm, WRFD 880AM (Columbus, OH) at 9:00am. Right Start can also be heard on One Christian Radio 107.7FM & 87.6FM in New Plymouth, New Zealand. You can purchase a copy of this message, unsegmented for broadcasting and in its entirety, for $7 on a single CD by calling +1 (800) 984-2313, and of course you can always listen online or download the message for free. RS07222025_0.mp3Scripture References: Romans 12:19-21

"Comeuppance" is a word we need to bring back! "Punishment" and "retribution" are good words. But there's just something satisfying about the villain finally getting his comeuppance! In Romans 12, Paul uses the word "Wrath." And today Jim will show that God's wrath is better than our wrath - for at least a couple of reasons. Here's Part 2 of his sermon, Stretch Your Credibility. Listen to Right Start Radio every Monday through Friday on WCVX 1160AM (Cincinnati, OH) at 9:30am, WHKC 91.5FM (Columbus, OH) at 5:00pm, WRFD 880AM (Columbus, OH) at 9:00am. Right Start can also be heard on One Christian Radio 107.7FM & 87.6FM in New Plymouth, New Zealand. You can purchase a copy of this message, unsegmented for broadcasting and in its entirety, for $7 on a single CD by calling +1 (800) 984-2313, and of course you can always listen online or download the message for free. RS07212025_0.mp3Scripture References: Romans 12:6-19

When someone gives you hate, can you give them love... and say, "Keep the change?" It's unnatural to bless those who curse you. Or maybe "supernatural" is a better word. In those seemingly rare instances when it happens, the whole world notices. People are forced to come to grips with the fact that there's something else going on here, something more than meets the eye - something supernatural. Pastor Jim's sermon for today and Monday is called, Stretch Your Credibility. Listen to Right Start Radio every Monday through Friday on WCVX 1160AM (Cincinnati, OH) at 9:30am, WHKC 91.5FM (Columbus, OH) at 5:00pm, WRFD 880AM (Columbus, OH) at 9:00am. Right Start can also be heard on One Christian Radio 107.7FM & 87.6FM in New Plymouth, New Zealand. You can purchase a copy of this message, unsegmented for broadcasting and in its entirety, for $7 on a single CD by calling +1 (800) 984-2313, and of course you can always listen online or download the message for free. RS07182025_0.mp3Scripture References: Roma

Trouble? We eat trouble for breakfast! In Romans 12:12 we see three atmospheres, requiring three different attitudes from us. Trouble, or affliction, is just one of those atmospheres. No one likes difficulties, but they will come. The good news is that we can make our problems serve us. Jim will explain, and he'll walk us through the "Hope" and "Prayer" elements of this verse, as well. Listen to Right Start Radio every Monday through Friday on WCVX 1160AM (Cincinnati, OH) at 9:30am, WHKC 91.5FM (Columbus, OH) at 5:00pm, WRFD 880AM (Columbus, OH) at 9:00am. Right Start can also be heard on One Christian Radio 107.7FM & 87.6FM in New Plymouth, New Zealand. You can purchase a copy of this message, unsegmented for broadcasting and in its entirety, for $7 on a single CD by calling +1 (800) 984-2313, and of course you can always listen online or download the message for free. RS07172025_0.mp3Scripture References: Romans 12:12

The thing about serving the Lord is, there are no days off! The difference between the sacred and the secular in the Christian's life is exactly zero. "Do all to the glory of God," Paul would write to the Corinthians. In his letter to the Romans, he talks about what that feels like from the inside. It feels like something bubbling over. Are we "fervent" - hot, boiling, heated by the flame of the Spirit? Here's the conclusion of Jim's sermon, Too Hot to Handle. Listen to Right Start Radio every Monday through Friday on WCVX 1160AM (Cincinnati, OH) at 9:30am, WHKC 91.5FM (Columbus, OH) at 5:00pm, WRFD 880AM (Columbus, OH) at 9:00am. Right Start can also be heard on One Christian Radio 107.7FM & 87.6FM in New Plymouth, New Zealand. You can purchase a copy of this message, unsegmented for broadcasting and in its entirety, for $7 on a single CD by calling +1 (800) 984-2313, and of course you can always listen online or download the message for free. RS07162025_0.mp3Scripture References: Romans 12:11

Don't be a sloth! Romans 12, verse 11 gives us three directives (one "don't" and two "do's"). They have to do with our outer work ethic, our inner state of excitement in the Spirit, and the purpose of it all: to "serve the Lord." A Christian working with diligence will certainly stand out next to someone advocating a 4-day work week and free paid everything, serving only his own comfort. But maybe this message is Too Hot to Handle Listen to Right Start Radio every Monday through Friday on WCVX 1160AM (Cincinnati, OH) at 9:30am, WHKC 91.5FM (Columbus, OH) at 5:00pm, WRFD 880AM (Columbus, OH) at 9:00am. Right Start can also be heard on One Christian Radio 107.7FM & 87.6FM in New Plymouth, New Zealand. You can purchase a copy of this message, unsegmented for broadcasting and in its entirety, for $7 on a single CD by calling +1 (800) 984-2313, and of course you can always listen online or download the message for free. RS07152025_1.mp3Scripture References: Romans 12:11

"Outdo one another in showing honor." Ah, it's a contest! Most translations render the last part of Romans 12:10 something like, "in honor giving preference to one another." But others read, "Set examples for each other in showing respect." There's an element of eagerness that Paul is asking for: Get to the front of the line in this matter of putting others first! Listen to Right Start Radio every Monday through Friday on WCVX 1160AM (Cincinnati, OH) at 9:30am, WHKC 91.5FM (Columbus, OH) at 5:00pm, WRFD 880AM (Columbus, OH) at 9:00am. Right Start can also be heard on One Christian Radio 107.7FM & 87.6FM in New Plymouth, New Zealand. You can purchase a copy of this message, unsegmented for broadcasting and in its entirety, for $7 on a single CD by calling +1 (800) 984-2313, and of course you can always listen online or download the message for free. RS07142025_0.mp3Scripture References: Romans 12:10

Do I matter? We all want to know that we have significance, value, worth, even honor. Well, that value was proven at the Cross. We were ransomed with something far more valuable than gold, as Peter writes: with the "precious blood of Christ." But our value isn't of any use hidden under the mattress. This worth is exchanged within the family - by living the faith life with other redeemed ones. Here's Jim to open a sermon called, Living Respectfully. Listen to Right Start Radio every Monday through Friday on WCVX 1160AM (Cincinnati, OH) at 9:30am, WHKC 91.5FM (Columbus, OH) at 5:00pm, WRFD 880AM (Columbus, OH) at 9:00am. Right Start can also be heard on One Christian Radio 107.7FM & 87.6FM in New Plymouth, New Zealand. You can purchase a copy of this message, unsegmented for broadcasting and in its entirety, for $7 on a single CD by calling +1 (800) 984-2313, and of course you can always listen online or download the message for free. RS07112025_0.mp3Scripture References: Romans 12:10

According to Joseph de Maistre, "Every country has the government it deserves." If the philosopher's point seems a little too sharp, how about the psalmist? "For the scepter of wickedness shall not rest upon the land of the righteous, so that the righteous will not put forth their hands to do wrong." We'll have to conclude that both good and bad rulers are instruments for God's purposes. We're looking at the first 7 verses of Romans 13 as we round out Jim's sermon, Respecting the Higher Powers. Listen to Right Start Radio every Monday through Friday on WCVX 1160AM (Cincinnati, OH) at 9:30am, WHKC 91.5FM (Columbus, OH) at 5:00pm, WRFD 880AM (Columbus, OH) at 9:00am. Right Start can also be heard on One Christian Radio 107.7FM & 87.6FM in New Plymouth, New Zealand. You can purchase a copy of this message, unsegmented for broadcasting and in its entirety, for $7 on a single CD by calling +1 (800) 984-2313, and of course you can always listen online or download the message for free. RS07102025_0.mp3Scriptu

Don't be conformed to the culture, but comply with Congress? What? Romans, chapter 13 gives us the clearest instruction anywhere in Scripture of how Christians should relate to civil government. But let's not tear it out of its context. All that the Apostle has written in chapter 12 about being transformed, and our living sacrifice, is still in play. The key to understanding this is the idea of delegated authority. Here's Jim on Respecting the Higher Powers. Listen to Right Start Radio every Monday through Friday on WCVX 1160AM (Cincinnati, OH) at 9:30am, WHKC 91.5FM (Columbus, OH) at 5:00pm, WRFD 880AM (Columbus, OH) at 9:00am. Right Start can also be heard on One Christian Radio 107.7FM & 87.6FM in New Plymouth, New Zealand. You can purchase a copy of this message, unsegmented for broadcasting and in its entirety, for $7 on a single CD by calling +1 (800) 984-2313, and of course you can always listen online or download the message for free. RS07092025_0.mp3Scripture References: Romans 13:1-7

"Communion" celebrates our common union. As we're thinking about the brotherhood and sisterhood of believers, let's not forget that we have a living picture of that in the Lord's Supper! Every time we celebrate this memorial meal, we can see God's love working not just in the vertical dimension - but horizontally, among our siblings in the family of the redeemed. We'll back up for a few minutes into yesterday's program, then Jim will close his thoughts on Romans 12 with Part 2 of, Behaving Like Brethren. Listen to Right Start Radio every Monday through Friday on WCVX 1160AM (Cincinnati, OH) at 9:30am, WHKC 91.5FM (Columbus, OH) at 5:00pm, WRFD 880AM (Columbus, OH) at 9:00am. Right Start can also be heard on One Christian Radio 107.7FM & 87.6FM in New Plymouth, New Zealand. You can purchase a copy of this message, unsegmented for broadcasting and in its entirety, for $7 on a single CD by calling +1 (800) 984-2313, and of course you can always listen online or download the message for free. RS07082025_0.

"Be kindly affectionate to one another with brotherly love, in honor giving preference to one another...." In Romans, Paul offers us grand theology, as well as some "Do's and Don'ts" of getting along with others: "...distributing to the needs of the saints, given to hospitality." He writes, "Rejoice with those who rejoice, and weep with those who weep. Agree toward one another." Today Pastor Jim begins a sermon called, Behaving Like Brethren. Listen to Right Start Radio every Monday through Friday on WCVX 1160AM (Cincinnati, OH) at 9:30am, WHKC 91.5FM (Columbus, OH) at 5:00pm, WRFD 880AM (Columbus, OH) at 9:00am. Right Start can also be heard on One Christian Radio 107.7FM & 87.6FM in New Plymouth, New Zealand. You can purchase a copy of this message, unsegmented for broadcasting and in its entirety, for $7 on a single CD by calling +1 (800) 984-2313, and of course you can always listen online or download the message for free. RS07072025_0.mp3Scripture References: Romans 12:10

Love, and right. When fake Christians parrot the words, "God is love," they mean, "God is love and does not judge." But the Bible explains, "Love does not delight in evil but rejoices with the truth." That's in Paul's famous "love chapter," 1 Corinthians 13. So real love - "true love," as we've been discussing - not only distinguishes good from evil; it aligns itself with righteousness. Listen to Right Start Radio every Monday through Friday on WCVX 1160AM (Cincinnati, OH) at 9:30am, WHKC 91.5FM (Columbus, OH) at 5:00pm, WRFD 880AM (Columbus, OH) at 9:00am. Right Start can also be heard on One Christian Radio 107.7FM & 87.6FM in New Plymouth, New Zealand. You can purchase a copy of this message, unsegmented for broadcasting and in its entirety, for $7 on a single CD by calling +1 (800) 984-2313, and of course you can always listen online or download the message for free. RS07042025_0.mp3Scripture References: Romans 12

We can't love without giving, but we can give without loving. Love gives. It doesn't have to be prodded, it doesn't overthink things, it doesn't care how the gift might look to others - love just gives. God so loved, that He gave. That stands in contrast, a lot of times, to our giving. That's what we noticed yesterday from Romans 12. Today Jim will tell us all 4 obstacles to genuine love. Here's Part 2 of his sermon, True Love Listen to Right Start Radio every Monday through Friday on WCVX 1160AM (Cincinnati, OH) at 9:30am, WHKC 91.5FM (Columbus, OH) at 5:00pm, WRFD 880AM (Columbus, OH) at 9:00am. Right Start can also be heard on One Christian Radio 107.7FM & 87.6FM in New Plymouth, New Zealand. You can purchase a copy of this message, unsegmented for broadcasting and in its entirety, for $7 on a single CD by calling +1 (800) 984-2313, and of course you can always listen online or download the message for free. RS07032025_0.mp3Scripture References: Romans 12:9

"The Academy award goes to....!" In our study of Romans 12 we've noticed that God distributes gifts to those in His family, to build each other up. But it's possible to employ those gifts in a kind of hollow performance. Are we just acting? Or are we being driven by love? And why is it so hard to take off the mask? What are we afraid will happen if people see the real Me? Jim will share some insights into that. Here's the opening to his sermon, True Love. Listen to Right Start Radio every Monday through Friday on WCVX 1160AM (Cincinnati, OH) at 9:30am, WHKC 91.5FM (Columbus, OH) at 5:00pm, WRFD 880AM (Columbus, OH) at 9:00am. Right Start can also be heard on One Christian Radio 107.7FM & 87.6FM in New Plymouth, New Zealand. You can purchase a copy of this message, unsegmented for broadcasting and in its entirety, for $7 on a single CD by calling +1 (800) 984-2313, and of course you can always listen online or download the message for free. RS07022025_0.mp3Scripture References: Romans 12:9

What if God were to give you a gift wrapped in brown paper? We're not just adopted into the divine family; we've been given a gift for blessing others. And let's just admit it: we all want the spectacular gifts. The Corinthians wanted the flashy gifts, the Romans were tempted toward envy or pride because of how God had gifted them. But it stands to reason that most of our gifts will be ordinary. Functional, not flashy. Are we OK with that? Listen to Right Start Radio every Monday through Friday on WCVX 1160AM (Cincinnati, OH) at 9:30am, WHKC 91.5FM (Columbus, OH) at 5:00pm, WRFD 880AM (Columbus, OH) at 9:00am. Right Start can also be heard on One Christian Radio 107.7FM & 87.6FM in New Plymouth, New Zealand. You can purchase a copy of this message, unsegmented for broadcasting and in its entirety, for $7 on a single CD by calling +1 (800) 984-2313, and of course you can always listen online or download the message for free. RS07012025_0.mp3Scripture References: Romans 12:3-8

Are we mutilating the Body of Christ? Here in the land of "rugged individualism" we live our lives disconnected. We're often separated from kin and community by geography and economics. Now technology can connect us, but often isolates us even more. We were not meant to live our Christian lives this way. We were baptized into something: into the church. In it, we don't lose our individuality; we find ourselves. Listen to Right Start Radio every Monday through Friday on WCVX 1160AM (Cincinnati, OH) at 9:30am, WHKC 91.5FM (Columbus, OH) at 5:00pm, WRFD 880AM (Columbus, OH) at 9:00am. Right Start can also be heard on One Christian Radio 107.7FM & 87.6FM in New Plymouth, New Zealand. You can purchase a copy of this message, unsegmented for broadcasting and in its entirety, for $7 on a single CD by calling +1 (800) 984-2313, and of course you can always listen online or download the message for free. RS06302025_0.mp3Scripture References: Romans 12:3-8